Archive for November, 2007

the internet kills my questions…

Published November 22, 2007 computer Leave a Comment

Everytime I think I have a great question to post and ponder, I google it and find that it’s already been asked, already been answered. In this case, i was wondering what the impact of tivo is on tv ratings… for example, if we record a show on a chance that we *might* like it, is that being represented as an active viewer? The answer – a resounding no. Ratings are based on Nielsen polls, using a technique called statistical sampling to rate the shows. So what I watch or fail to watch makes no difference on the bigger picture (unless i sign up for the Nielsen poll or get randomly selected for statistical input).

Sigh… this makes me want to blog even less.

awaiting results

Published November 21, 2007 CPA , holidays Leave a Comment

Well, I completed the final portion of the CPA exam last Friday and I’m feeling pretty good about it. I finished early and took time to review each question before moving on to the next section. I’m hoping it’s the end of this journey, but the results will tell me for sure. It should be a few weeks before I get results back – the exam board is aiming to have results back within 2 weeks, but given the holiday this week, I’m guessing it will be more like 3.

It’s starting to sink in that I don’t have to study… don’t have to feel guilty about not studying… don’t even have to think about accounting in my off hours. I still have momentary panics where I feel like I shouldn’t be lazing about – but I quickly snap back to reality and realize that i’m in a good place, and most likely passed the final part of the test.

Ben & I are planning our first Thanksgiving at home this year. This will be the first holiday we’ve hosted at our house, and we’re really excited to cook a turkey, use our china and put our electric carver to good use. My parents, grandma, brother & his girlfriend will be joining us for the day. It should be a fun and relaxing day. Everyone is contributing by bringing a dish, so we should have some good food to enjoy.

Right now, I’m sipping on egg nog, watching some television and enjoying the calm before the holiday begins. Happy turkey day to all!

study, study, study…

Published November 10, 2007 CPA , work 1 Comment

Seems like my life revolves around studying lately. My life AND my blog. I’ve scheduled events around my study schedule, turned down dinner invitations and pretty much put my life on hold until this last test is over.

I spent the past 3 days in vegas for a work conference. I actually did pretty well and got a solid 2 hours of studying in while I was there. One helpful thing was the fact that the conferences I attended were very much applicable to the material I’m studying. Of course, it’s at a deeper level than the info I need to know for the test, but I figure I’ll have a better chance of answering questions correctly if I fully understand the material, so it can’t hurt.

Now I’m back at it… sitting at my desk, reviewing my lecture book from cover to cover. Suprisingly, I’ve retained quite a bit of the information I started studying 2 months ago – now it’s those little nuances and details I need to nail down. The “fun” stuff.

The test is Friday… fingers crossed I’ll do well :)

almost over….

Published November 3, 2007 CPA Leave a Comment

I’m dreading the fact that I have 2 weeks left before the next test… in part because I’m not ready to take the test yet and the next few weeks are going to be a major cram session. I’m not looking forward to the next few weeks of cramming. My brain and body has been so drained lately… I wake up tired – feel like I could sleep all day. I have horrible dreams at night – filled with incredibly stressful, teeth grinding situations.

I’m almost at the end of the journey. I’ll be glad to have the test over with – but am a little fearful that I won’t pass this section and will have to retake it in February. It’s a scary thought to be at the end of this process… moving into the finite roll of being a “CPA” and all that it entails.

I look forward to having weekends off again. It will be so nice to run away for a weekend, spend some time at the coast or in the mountains. It’s something I’ve always taken for granted in the past – you never realize the value of having weekends free to do as you please until they are taken away from you.

The next few weeks will be a stress-filled rollercoaster for me. I’m lacking the motivation I need to get this material into my head, but I know that I need to do it. In the end, I’ll get it done. I know this only because I’ve done it before. Pushing myself to the far edge to get the work done and accomplish my goal. It’s not fun, nor is it pretty, but it works.

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